Bishop Mario Grech recently visited Fontana, Nadur and Qala as part of his tour of the Gozo diocese.

Mgr Mario Grech

Fontana mayor Saviour Borg, who welcomed the bishop, said that as life today was not easy, councillors appreciated the bishop's guidance and promised to follow it in their duties every day, so that as councillors they would always be an example to others, united in their work and commitment to the locality.

There is still much to be done in Fontana, but through their work and the co-operation of the residents, they can contribute to the development of community life and Christian spirit of the locality, he added.

Thanking Mgr Grech for visiting their offices, the councillors also promised to work diligently to put into practice, with the co-operation of all, the bishop's message so that the parish can be truly dedicated to its patron, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Bishop Grech highlighted the importance for the parish church and local council to work for the benefit of the community, both should keep their identity.

In Nadur, the bishop visited various bodies and associations, including the local council, Mnarja Band Club, Dun Salv Grima Primary School, political party clubs and the premises of Radju Luminarja. He led a concelebrated Mass at St Peter and St Paul Basilica. During Mass, Bishop Grech christened two girls and two boys. He also invited the congregation to express their solidarity with Bishop Sylvester Magro, whose family hails from Nadur, after his church annex in Benghazi was considerably damaged in recent riots.

In Qala, Bishop Grech was welcomed at the local primary school by head Marija Buttigieg.

"There was a truly wonderful celebration in the school hall," Ms Buttigieg said. "We created a happy atmosphere with songs, a mime, and poems written by the children for the Bishop's visit."

The Bishop was presented with various gifts, met members of staff and visited classrooms to chat with the children.